Russells Point Council hears about burglaries in the village (Audio included)

12/3/2012 10:35:32 PM

By Nate Dunham

During Monday's council meeting, Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof reported that there have been three burglaries in the village recently.

The burglaries have been scattered around the village and happened when the residents were not home. Chief Freyhof reports that he does not believe the suspects are casing the homes and the burglaries are drug-related (someone trying to feed an addiction). The items taken are very specific, mostly jewelry. A gun was stolen from one of the homes. The Russells Point Police Department is working with the Washington Township Police Department and Logan County Sheriff's Office. Washington Township and the sheriff's office are also investigating burglaries in their jurisdictions. Chief Freyhof says the village police force will step up residential patrols and ask residents to report suspicious activity.

Freyhof reported that the force's 2012 Dodge Charger cruiser started to have brake problems. It was discovered that the entire brake system needs to be replaced. Freyhof is trying to get the brakes covered under warranty because the department just received the cruiser in May. The Charger only has 11,000 miles on it and Chief Freyhof said the force does not drive the cruiser in a manner that would cause the brakes to deteriorate quicker than normal.

A report was given regarding a child that went missing recently in the village. Skylar Shabdue, 11, was reported missing around 7:30 pm on November 24th. She was later found safe in the area of 137 East Main Street in Russells Point (near Taco Bell) by officers of the Russells Point Police Department around 8:40 the next morning. Chief Freyhof commented how pleased he was with the cooperation of other agencies and the community with finding the girl. The Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Township Police Department, Indian Joint Fire District, members of the Ohio Child Abduction/Missing Response Team, and representatives from the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided assistance in finding Skylar.

Chief Freyhof also expressed interest to council about offering first responder training to his department. He noted that after hours the Russells Point Police Department could be put in a situation where they need to supply medical aid.

Chief Freyhof speaks about his report to council.

In council news, the village will be hosting an open house for the Indian Lake/Great Miami River Open Space Project on Wednesday evening starting at 6:30. The village plans to thank contributors for their support of the project and ask them for some more assistance as the project moves closer. A presentation on the project will start at 7 pm.

Mayor Robin Reames comments about the open house.

The Village of Russells Point Council will meet on December 17th at 7 pm.